Kieran Gibbs signs new long-term contract

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Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that England Under-21 international Kieran Gibbs has signed a new long-term contract extension with the Club. Lambeth-born Kieran shot to prominence during the FA Youth Cup run to the Semi-Final in 2007. His performances earned him an appearance in the 2007/08 pre-season fixture against Barnet and, later, a start against Italian giants Inter Milan in the inaugural Emirates Cup in July 2007. Gibbs made his full First Team debut the following season during the 2007/08 campaign, in the Carling Cup Fourth Round victory at Sheffield United in October 2007. Kieran, who can operate as a left-back or in midfield, was a revelation last season, making 21 First Team appearances, including eight in the Premier League and four in the UEFA Champions League. His performances during last season earned Kieran, still only 19, with a place in the England Under-21s squad, which then led to him becoming a regular in this summer’s UEFA Under-21 Championships in Sweden, helping Stuart Pearce’s England team reach the Final of the competition. Manager Arsène Wenger said: “Kieran made such a great impact last season and the progress he made throughout the year was fantastic. Kieran is an intelligent player with huge quality and he proved last season with his performances that he has great potential. We’re delighted that Kieran has committed his future to Arsenal and we’re all excited to watch his future development at the Club.” Everyone at the Club is looking forward to Kieran’s continued contribution and development with Arsenal for a long time to come. Kieran joins Theo Walcott, Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere, who have all signed new long-term extensions with the Club in the close season.